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Zero Hedge posted the following:

Paul Craig Roberts Goes There: “One Day, Tomorrow Won’t Arrive”

October 31, 2017

If the US ends up in a catastrophic war with a militarily superior power, it will be the fault of Hillary Clinton, the DNC, former CIA director John Brennan and the military/security complex, the presstitute media, and the American liberal/progressive/left, which, made completely stupid by Identity Politics, has allied with neoconservative warmongers against President Trump and prevented Trump from normalizing relations with Russia.

Without normal relations with Russia, nuclear Armageddon hangs over us like the sword of Damocles. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-10-30/paul-craig-roberts-goes-there-one-day-tomorrow-wont-arrive

The time of Armageddon will one day arrive.

But this will not be because of Russia trying to destroy the USA–that is not prophesied (for details check out Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future and USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

That is not the scenario that the Bible teaches.

Despite what Republican/Democrat politicians or the media do, “Armageddon” cannot possibly begin prior to 2024, and I believe even that date is too soon.

Why?

Because we have not seen certain signs that Jesus stated or referred to in the Book of Daniel.

Here is something from my article When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? which has the summary of some of those details:

Brief Sequential Prophetic Summary

Since the Great Tribulation cannot happen yet, what are some specific events to look for which occur prior to the Great Tribulation?

The basic sequence is that certain sorrows and troubles will continue (Mark 13:5-8). This is happening.

The ‘peace’ deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed. Deals have been proposed, but the biblical one has not yet been made nor confirmed.

A King of the North (who was a ‘prince’ in Daniel 9:27) and a King of the South (Daniel 11:27) will arise. We are seeing the foundations for this now.

Animal sacrifices will begin (cf. Daniel 9:27). (Note: It is possible that the King of the South could rise up prior to Daniel 9:27 or even after the sacrifices resume as could the King of the North).

The gospel then will have been preached enough to the world as a witness for the end to come (Matthew 24:14). This seems to be related to the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28 (see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word).

Jewish sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27). Some Jews would like to start them now, but the Israeli government will not currently allow it. Europe will reorganize into ten ‘kingdoms’ (not necessarily ten currently existing nations as some have improperly insisted upon and give power the Beast (see Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?)–some of this could happen earlier.

The abomination of desolation will then be set up (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14) because of actions of the King of the North (Daniel 9:27; 11:31). The most faithful expect to continue to tell what is happening until they are somehow stopped (cf. Amos 8:11-12; see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word).

A decree is to be issued (Zephaniah 2:1-3) and then the most faithful Philadelphians will ‘fly’ to the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16) and those in Judea should flee per Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24:15-19 and Mark 13:15-18 (see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra). Prior to the time the Great Tribulation starts, the two witnesses will support the work, and near its start, they will get power to do their job (Revelation 11:3; see also Who Are The Two Witnesses?).

Bolstered by the Antichrist, then the Great Tribulation will begin (Matthew 24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20; Daniel 11:39, 12:1b; cf. Habakkuk 2:7-8). This will eliminate the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies as nations (Daniel 11:39; Jeremiah 30:7; Habakkuk 2:7-8; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses). The King of the South will shortly later push against the King of the North and get eliminated (Daniel 11:40-43).

About a month or so less than 2 ½ years after the Great Tribulation began, the sixth seal will be opened, there will be a ‘blood moon’ and a darkened sun (Revelation 6:12; Joel 2:30-31; see also Blood Moons and Prophecy), then the 144,000 of Revelation 7:1-8 will be sealed.

Shortly thereafter, the seventh seal will be opened (Revelation 8:1-6) and year long Day of the Lord (Isaiah 34:8) will begin with trumpet blasts, plagues, etc. (Revelation 8-7-13; 9:1-21; 11:13-14). The gathering for Armageddon will begin related to the sixth trumpet blast (Revelation 8:13-19; 16:12-16).

Then at the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15), Jesus will return to establish the millennial kingdom.

The Great Tribulation should begin about 3 1/2 years after the peace deal (Daniel 9:27) is confirmed, and right after the King of the North tries to proclaim peace and safety (1 Thessalonians 5:3) to throw people off (cf. Daniel 11:24) for his invasion plans.

This, thus shows, that Armageddon will not happen for at least seven years from now.

So, does this mean that there are no real prophetic concerns now?

No.

Consider, for one example, that St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastenet, chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, made some comments this week about the recent hurricanes. He said, “We continue thinking there’s tomorrow. Tomorrow has arrived” (for more information, see ‘Severe storm leaves about 700K without power in Northeast;’ Puerto Rico, Dominica, St. Martins, and Virgin Islands still suffering; Will you consider the St. Lucia Prime Minister’s warning?).

We are in the beginning of sorrows. Sorrows and troubles have begun. That “tomorrow” will affect people outside the Caribbean as well.

Even the ecumenical celebrations related to the 500th anniversary of the Martin Luther’s 95 theses today is further evidence of that (see Ecumenical celebrations of the Protestant Reformation; what about sola Scriptura and the white horse of the Apocalypse?).

US debt is a factor that most do not realize will cause major problems. Michael Snyder wrote the following:

The federal government is now 20.4 trillion dollars in debt, and most Americans don’t seem to care that the economic prosperity that we are enjoying today could be completely destroyed by our exploding national debt.  Over the past decade, the national debt has been growing at a rate of more than 100 million dollars an hour, and this is a debt that all of us owe.  When you break it down, each American citizen’s share of the debt is more than $60,000, and so if you have a family of five your share is more than $300,000.  And when you throw in more than 6 trillion dollars of corporate debt and nearly 13 trillion dollars of consumer debt, it is not inaccurate to say that we are facing a crisis of unprecedented magnitude.

Debt cannot grow much faster than GDP indefinitely.  At some point the bubble bursts, and when it does the pain that the middle class is going to experience is going to be off the charts. http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/will-americas-prosperity-be-completely-wiped-out-by-our-growing-debt

It will be more than the middle class of the USA that will be affected by this. Debt will be one reason that the USA will be taken over (Habakkuk 2:6-8).

The world is changing and in ways many do not understand.

Biblical prophecies are coming to pass.

People like Paul Craig Roberts, Allen Chastenet, and Michael Snyder are seeing disasters and the potential for disaster–but are not normally tying them in with scripture.

We who truly believe the Bible in CCOG do have the “sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19). We know that there are sorrows and more troubles coming (Mark 13:5-8), debt will lead to destruction (Habakkuk 2:6-8), and that Armageddon will come one day (Revelation 16:16).

But we also know that Jesus will one day return and establish the millennial Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

Do not over look prophecy.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Do You Know That Babylon is Forming? How is the final Babylon forming? Are Protestants such as Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland are endorsing something dangerous? Could Pope Francis be the ‘False Prophet’ that the Bible warns against? Is an antipope expected to endorse a one-world religion? Here is a link to a related written article In Vatican City: New Babylon more openly forming!
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now? Another could be Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).

Poster for 500th Reformation Anniversary Reconciliation

COGwriter

October 31st marks the day that Martin Luther hammered his now famous 95 theses on the Wittenberg Catholic church back in 1517.

While the Church of Rome now agrees with many of the items on his list (and Pope Francis attended last year’s celebration’ for it- watch Pope Francis’ Celebration of Reformation’s 500th Anniversary), back then this caused tremendous dissension and was a key factor in the so-called Protestant Reformation.

Instead of today being a celebration by Protestants denouncing Roman Catholicism, the 500th anniversary is instead a celebration that much of the rift between Lutherans, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, etc. is mainly over.

31  October 2017

Catholic and Protestant leaders will stress their mutual bonds 500 years after the start of the Reformation, a movement which tore apart western Christianity and sparked a string of bloody religious wars in Europe lasting more than a century.

A service in Westminster Abbey on Tuesday will mark the anniversary of the date in 1517 on which the German theologian Martin Luther submitted The 95 Theses to the archbishop of Mainz as well as nailing a copy to the door of a church in Wittenburg, lighting the fuse of the Reformation.

The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will present a text by the Anglican communion affirming a joint declaration by the Roman Catholic church and global Protestant bodies described as “a sign of healing after 500 years of division”.

Last week, Pope Francis said Catholics and Protestants were now enjoying a relationship of “true fraternity” based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation.

He told Derek Browning, moderator of the Church of Scotland, who was visiting the Vatican as part of the Reformation commemorations, that the two traditions were “no longer … adversaries, after long centuries of estrangement and conflict”

The pontiff added: “For so long we regarded one another from afar, all too humanly, harbouring suspicion, dwelling on differences and errors, and with hearts intent on recrimination for past wrongs.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/31/catholic-and-protestant-leaders-unite-mark-start-reformation-archbishop-canterbury-service

31 October 2017

(Vatican Radio) October 31st 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the day on which German theologian Martin Luther published his 95 theses, setting in motion the events of the Protestant Reformation.

To mark the occasion, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Lutheran World Federation on Tuesday issued a joint statement, giving thanks for the spiritual and theological gifts received through the Reformation and recalling the commemorative events that have taken place over the past year.

On 31st of October 2017, the final day of the year of the common ecumenical Commemoration of the Reformation, we are very thankful for the spiritual and theological gifts received through the Reformation, a commemoration that we have shared together and with our ecumenical partners globally. …

We acknowledge with appreciation the many events of common prayer and worship that Lutherans and Catholics have held together with their ecumenical partners in different parts of the world, as well as the theological encounters and the significant publications that have given substance to this year of Commemoration.

Looking forward, we commit ourselves to continue our journey together, guided by God’s Spirit, towards the greater unity according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/10/31/catholics,_lutherans_mark_500th_anniversary_of_reformation/1346149

WITTENBERG, Germany – Five hundred years after the 16th century Reformer Martin Luther is said to have nailed his epoch-changing 95 protests to a church door in the eastern German town of Wittenberg, Catholics and Protestants have been through bitter centuries of conflict, but finally seem to be getting on a bit better. …

Protestants, Lutherans and Catholics are commemorating the historic day around the world in ecumenical services with his actions at the Schlosskirche in the town east of Berlin where he worked.

Over the past year Protestants, Lutherans and Catholics have commemorated the historic day around the world in ecumenical services, with Pope Francis joining in a year ago in Sweden. …

A joint statement signed in Lund by Pope Francis and Bishop Munib Younan, president of the Lutheran World Federation, said, “Many members of our communities yearn to receive the Eucharist at one table as the concrete expression of full unity.” …

WITTENBERG

In 2009, 10 years after the JDDJ was signed Cardinal Kasper traveled to Luther’s Wittenberg to plant the first of 500 trees in the Luther Memorial Garden.

The 16th-century events, “divided our people and divided the Church,” said Kasper. “It is a day we hold in common and for which we have a joint responsibility,” he stated.

“Now again that which belongs together grows together,” Kasper said in the Luther Garden in 2009, using a phrase of former West German chancellor Willy Brandt after the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and referring to hopes for unity between East and West Germany.

http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/500-years-after-the-reformation-began-christianity-has-come-closer-but-is-still-divided/60445.htm

Not all Catholics or Protestants support the moves towards “true fraternity,” but enough have (along with many Eastern Orthodox leaders) to indicate that the goal of many is ecumenical unity. The planting of the trees officially began on November 1, 2009.

This is unity, not based on the Bible (though it is sometimes cited), but more of a worldly political unity with doctrinal compromise.

Martin Luther, himself, revolted against and taught against the Roman Catholic Church. He specifically taught that the Roman Catholic Church was the “great harlot of the Apocalypse” (O’Hare PF. The Facts About Luther, originally 1916, 1987 ed., p.9)–that harlot is a ‘mother’ church excessively involved in worldly politics (Revelation 17:1-5). Martin Luther, himself, also taught  about a Pope being the “Antichrist” (O’Hare, p. 9).

Many now seem to prefer a revisionist view of history.

While the terms “word of God” and “Scriptures” is in English translations of some of what Martin Luther originally wrote in the 95 theses, none of the 95 contained what became the rallying cry of his movement, “sola Scriptura,” which is Latin for “only Scripture.”

One of the major problems that I have had with Protestantism is that my experience suggests that Protestants do not follow that rallying cry of their movement.

But this should not be a surprise as Martin Luther himself did not believe in sola Scriptura either.

As mentioned before, let’s look at this quote from Martin Luther:

My word is the word of Christ; my mouth is the mouth of Christ” (O’Hare PF. The Facts About Luther, 1916–1987 reprint ed., pp. 203-204).

[Specifically, what Martin Luther wrote in German was “”Ich bin sehr gewiss, dass mein Wort nitt mein, sondern Christus Wort sei, so muss mein Mund auch des sein, des Wort er redet” (Luther, 682) – also translated as “I am confident that it is not my word, but Christ’s word, so my mouth is His who utters the words”(God’s words – the violence of representation. Universitatea din Bucuresti, 2002. http://www.unibuc.ro/eBooks/filologie/meanings/1.htm, September 25, 2003).]

Martin Luther seemed to believe he could change the Bible. For example, Romans 3:28 states:

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Yet, Martin Luther, in his German translation of the Bible, specifically added the word “allein” (English ‘alone’) to Romans 3:28-a word that is not in the original Greek (as well the words for ‘the’). Notice what Protestant scholars have admitted:

…Martin Luther would once again emphasize…that we are “justified by faith alone”, apart from the works of the Law” (Rom. 3:28), adding the German word allein (“alone”) in his translation of the Greek text. There is certainly a trace of Marcion in Luther’s move (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, pp. 64-65).

Furthermore, Martin Luther himself reportedly said:

You tell me what a great fuss the Papists are making because the word alone in not in the text of Paul … say right out to him: ‘Dr. Martin Luther will have it so,’ … I will have it so, and I order it to be so, and my will is reason enough. I know very well that the word ‘alone’ is not in the Latin or the Greek text (Stoddard J. Rebuilding a Lost Faith. 1922, pp. 101-102; see also Luther M. Amic. Discussion, 1, 127).

This passage strongly suggests that Martin Luther viewed his opinions, and not the actual Bible as the primary authority–a concept which I have named prima Luther. By “papists” he is condemning Roman Catholics, but it needs to be understood that Protestant scholars (like HOJ Brown) also realize that Martin Luther changed that scripture.

A review of Martin Luther’s writings show that he changed or diminished the importance of at least 18 books of the Bible” (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Esther, Job, Ecclesiastes, Jonah, Matthew, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation. For details, please check out the article Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible?

Martin Luther did not properly view the word of God.

Those in the real Church of God believe that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and, and is profitable for doctrine” (2Timothy 3:16, NKJV). Martin Luther did not truly hold to that belief.

Martin Luther was also a type of preterist, which meant he did not believe in various biblical prophecies (see also The Dangerous Rise of Preterists). He also somewhat denounced the Book of Revelation.

The true Church of God has always based its real doctrines on the Bible and has not discounted the Bible (or books of it) like Martin Luther has.

Despite what some claim, Jesus did NOT come to bring worldwide unity in this age:

51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. (Luke 12:51)

The Apostle Paul taught that true unity of faith would not happen until after Jesus returns:

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:13)

Those who believe this unity comes prior to Jesus’ return are in error. We are not ‘perfect’ until after He comes (cf. 1 John 1:8). The prophesied unity of faith does not happen prior to Jesus’ return.

As far as unifying with those who will not accept the original and true faith, Christians are warned:

4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities…” (Revelation 18:4-5)

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 ‘I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Real Christians will be separate from those that truly will not be set apart by the truth of the Bible:

16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:16-17).

Yet, deceit is prophesied:

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

Those who really do not love the truth will be deceived.

Notice the following about the ride of the first horse, the white horse, of the Apocalypse:

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.”

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Revelation 6:1-2)

This horseman will work to conquer the truth. A ‘white’ horse indicates that the message will look good to others. But the Apostle Paul warned about that:

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

Paul is warning that people will claim to be true Christian leaders and that those leaders will try to come across as ministers of righteousness, but instead be on Satan’s side.

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, taught:

The first horseman is not the coming of Christ; it was the false Christ deceiving the people. For one thing, it was long after Christ had come. John wrote this in 90 AD and Christ had come, and was crucified, and gone to heaven in 31 AD. So you see it’s talking of something else, not something that had happened. This is a prophecy for the future. (Armstrong HW. Revelation – Closed Book Until the End. http://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=getbroadcast&InfoID=1371308958 accessed 09/05/17)

Many in the old Worldwide Church of God seemed to believe that the four horsemen began their ride in the first century, yet, the predominant position in its literature was that the horsemen had not begun their ride, but it was for the future. And in the latter portion of the 20th century that ride still was a future event. Then circumstances changed. There was an agreement between the Roman Catholics and Lutherans in 1999, but little seemed to change from that for a time (see also Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!). But since then, in the 21st century, we have seen events suggesting that the white horse is moving about.

Even though this first seal is opened up prior to the Great Tribulation (the “beginning of sorrows” precedes the Great Tribulation, cf. Matthew 24:8,21; and it could have officially began as early as the Feast of Trumpets in September 2009; if the first seal, in a sense, was not opened centuries ago—as at least its antetype has been around since Simon Magus of Acts 8:9-24–yet since Simon Magus and others were around BEFORE John saw the Revelation, they were not the final ride of the first horseman as the first seal could not be opened before John saw the Revelation!), yet it will not be until after the beast powers of Revelation 13 are in full control, when the whole world will worship the beast and the dragon (Revelation 13:3-8; 18:23), that this horseman’s conquest will be complete.

Could the first seal, for the ride of the white horse of the Apocalypse have began in 2009?

Well, there was a meeting of the Eastern Orthodox back then which seemed to embrace the ecumenical agenda of the white horseman of Revelation 6:1-2. And that seemed to be consistent with the first sorrow Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24:4-5.  During the period of September 15-22, 2009, the Eastern Orthodox held a significant pan-Orthodox conference; working towards unity was one of the objectives (World Council of Churches Inter-Orthodox Preparatory Consultation Towards the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) Leros, Greece. 15-22 September 2009).  Notice the following from an official Eastern Orthodox website:

1. Responding to the invitation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) to offer a theological contribution to the process leading to the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in Kingston, Jamaica, an Inter-Orthodox Preparatory Consultation was held in the island of Leros, Greece, 15-22 September 2009.

2. The gathering was graciously hosted, on behalf of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, by H.E. Metropolitan Paisios of Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia, in the Dodecanese islands, Greece.

3. The meeting brought together twenty-five participants from nearly all Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, hierarchs, priests, members of monastic communities, university professors, lay persons male and female, and WCC staff. (World Council of Churches. Inter-Orthodox Preparatory Consultation Towards the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) Leros, Greece. 15-22 September 2009. 09/22/09 https://www.patriarchate.org/world-council-of-churches/-/asset_publisher/jSr7xbXp3kBW/content/world-council-of-churches-inter-orthodox-preparatory-consultation-towards-the-international-ecumenical-peace-convocation-iepc-leros-greece-15-22-septe)

By itself, the meeting did not seem like too much, but it was partially in response to the World Council of Churches. Later Orthodox statements and developments have demonstrated that it might have been quite important.

After that meeting. 0n October 15, 2009, the Vatican’s then top ecumenical official reported:

The official dialogue between the Catholic Church and the mainline Protestant Churches — Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed and Methodist — is entering a new phase, says the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.  Cardinal Walter Kasper pointed this out Thursday during a press conference at the Vatican…(Cardinal Kasper on 40 Years of Dialogue Says Catholic-Protestant Relations Entering New Phase.Zenit, October 16, 2009)

Notice this was called “a new phase” in the official dialogue, suggesting that major changes were occurring.   On the next day, the Vatican and the Orthodox began a new round of ecumenical negotiations.

The eleventh meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church took place in Paphos, Cyprus, a city with a rich history, having received three Apostles, Paul, Barnabas and Mark. The meeting took place from 16-23 October 2009…The Orthodox meeting discussed among other things the negative reactions to the Dialogue by certain Orthodox circles, and unanimously considered them as totally unfounded and unacceptable, providing false and misleading information. (Comminique. JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH  AND THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. 11TH PLENARY SESSION. Paphos, Cyprus, 16-23 October 2009.  Paphos, Cyprus, 22 October 2009.  http://www.ec-patr.org/docdisplay.php?lang=en&id=1124&tla=en).

The International Mixed Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church has progressed in its reflection on the role of the bishop of Rome. The meeting was attended by 20 Catholic members; all Orthodox Churches were represented, with the exception of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria. The commission worked under the guidance of two co-presidents: the Catholic representative was Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; and the Orthodox representative was Metropolitan Ioannis Zizioulas of Pergamum. (Orthodox-Catholic Commission Studies Primacy of Peter Concludes 11th Plenary Session in Paphos.Zenit, October 23, 2009)

Furthermore, there was a symbolic show of unity “initiated by the Lutheran World Federation in Geneva, with support from the German National Committee of the LWF and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (VELKD) and by cooperation with Lutherstadt Wittenberg” and called the Luthergarten (http://www.luthergarten.de/welcome.html accessed 10/31/17). It included a tree planted first by Roman Catholic Cardinal Walter Kasper, the second by Metropolit Augoustinos for the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, the third by Canon Kenneth Kearon for the Anglican Community, the fourth by Secretary General Dr. Setri Nyomi of the World Reformed Churches, the fifth by Bishop Walter Klaiber of the World Methodist Council, the sixth by General Secretary Dr. Ishmael Noko of the Lutheran World Federation, the seventh by Bishop Ilse Junkermann of the Evangelical Church of Central Germany, the eighth by Bishop Maria Jepsen of the North Elbian Protestant Church (Germany), and the ninth by Andreas Flade of the Protestant Lutheran Church of Mecklenburg (Germany)–in time, hundreds of trees were planted and from churches on all the inhabited continents of the earth (for details go to http://www.luthergarten.de/list.html accessed 10/31/17).

Because of these actions, I have speculated that the ‘beginning of sorrows’ that Jesus spoke of (Matthew 24:4-8) may have actually began on or near September 19, 2009–during the WCC and Eastern Orthodox meeting. The actions of Patriarch Bartholomew may have triggered this.

Consider that this first seal is to be (or even was) opened around the time when the one who will become the False Prophet successfully works with groups which will re-connect with Rome. At least one significant re-connection happened in 2009 with some of the Anglicans (Messia H, Hanna J.  Vatican welcomes Anglicans into Catholic Church.  CNN, October 21, 2009. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/20/vatican.anglican.church/ viewed 10/25/09). This has been followed by one or more declarations involving the Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox, and others related to the Church of Rome. Expect to see more declarations/deals beyond those which have already happened.

Interestingly, on September 20, 2016, a Catholic publication referred to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople as a “great ecumenist” (see Patriarch Bartholomew praised as a ‘great ecumenist’–will this end in disaster?). The sun-worshiping Roman Emperor Constantine is considered “great” for his compromising and blending of religions. He claimed to see a vision of the sun-god and then later a cross in the sky. Constantine impacted world history and the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople seems to be as well, though a bit more subtly as far as the world is concerned. Could Patriarch Bartholomew have tipped the scales for many of the Eastern Orthodox to work towards ecumenical unity back in 2009? It certainly seems so.

Essentially paralleling the ride of the first horseman of Revelation 6:2, Jesus warned about false religion prior to the start of the Great Tribulation:

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.  5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:4-5)

Consider that this movement of false religion will teach something about Jesus. But will deceive. Perhaps that is part of why an article I saw on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation today in the German press was opposed to “the literal interpretation of the Bible” and wanted preachers blocked who spread “the idea of the coming apocalypse” (http://www.dw.com/en/opinion-the-unexpected-reformation/a-41145145). Notice something from the Book of the Apocalypse, normally referred to as the Book of Revelation:

10 Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)

The true Christian church would preach prophecy, and that includes the coming apocalypse, biblically referred to as the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.

By the way, Martin Luther himself was opposed to the Book of Revelation. Martin Luther wrote:

About this book of the Revelation of John…I miss more than one thing in this book, and it makes me consider it to be neither apostolic nor prophetic…I can in no way detect that the Holy Spirit produced it. Moreover he seems to me to be going much too far when he commends his own book so highly-indeed, more than any of the other sacred books do, though they are much more important-and threatens that if anyone takes away anything from it, God will take away from him, etc. Again, they are supposed to be blessed who keep what is written in this book; and yet no one knows what that is, to say nothing of keeping it. This is just the same as if we did not have the book at all. And there are many far better books available for us to keep…My spirit cannot accommodate itself to this book. For me this is reason enough not to think highly of it: Christ is neither taught nor known in it” (Luther, M. Preface to the Revelation of St. John, 1522).

Martin Luther may not have been able to accommodate this Revelation of Jesus Christ because he essentially violated this warning in it:

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book (Revelation 22:18-19).

Martin Luther took away from this book through his comments about it, and this is the same Martin Luther who (as shown previously in this article) added words to the Bible that were not there. For centuries, Luther’s and the papacy’s followers have clashed on many points.

Yet, now we see those who claim to follow Martin Luther’s religion and those the papacy’s wanting to reconcile.

Neither side that wants reconciliation really wants to move towards sola Scriptura: instead they simply feel that this is a politically and socially positive thing to do. This will look like them riding on a white horse for peace (ecumenical unity is part of the WCC’s ‘peace plan–watch World Council of Churches Peace Plan), but really they are supporting the ride of the white horse of the Apocalypse. This will lead to war (Revelation 6:3-4; Matthew 24:4-8) and the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 6:9).

Therefore, no true Christian would endorse the ultimate goal of the reconciliation of the 500th anniversary of what is considered to be the start of the Reformation.

Do not let the talk of reconciliation among many of the world churches deceive you–this will not end well (though we will see a temporal period of peace in the Middle East per Daniel 9:27, that also will not end well).

The world’s unity, not based on the Bible and God’s Holy Spirit, is demonic (cf. Revelation 16:13-14)–it will not end well.

But ultimately, Jesus will return (Revelation 16:15) and establish the millennial Kingdom of God–after opposition to Him is crushed, that will bring true peace and unity.

Those interested in learning more should consider studying the following:

The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous? A related sermon video is titled Preterism: You’ve Gotta Be Kidding…Right?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
Pope Francis’ Celebration of Reformation’s 500th Anniversary The Vatican announced that Pope Francis plans to attend a celebration commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s nailing his 95 theses on the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. Is this part of the ecumenical movement? Is this a good thing? Does the Bible warn against this? Do Protestant leaders favor ecumenical unity? What did early Protestants teach about the papacy? Should the Bible or human committees be listened to?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Today is celebrated by many as Halloween.

Several years ago, actor Kirk Cameron put out a film called Saving Christmas. As it turns out, it was reported to be a flop (see Kirk Cameron’s Christmas movie flops).

The reason to bring that up is that while promoting his movie, he made several comments intended to encourage people to celebrate Halloween.

In light of his new film “Saving Christmas,” Kirk Cameron is also speaking out on Halloween celebrations, urging Christians to get into the spooky spirit this year.

“Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas” hits select theaters on Nov. 14,… Cameron addressed the same theories as they are applied to Halloween, clarifying why Christians “should have the biggest Halloween party on your block.”

“The real origins have a lot to do with All Saints Day and All Hallows Eve,” the actor told The Christian Post. “If you go back to old church calendars, especially Catholic calendars, they recognize the holiday All Saints Day, with All Hallows Eve the day before, when they would remember the dead. That’s all tied in to Halloween.”

Moreover, the “Unstoppable” star went on to cite the meaning behind dressing up in frightening costumes on Halloween, clarifying the meaning of Oct. 31.

“When you go out on Halloween and see all people dressed in costumes and see someone in a great big bobble head Obama costume with great big ears and an Obama face, are they honoring him or poking fun?” Cameron asked.

“They are poking fun at him,” the actor said, answering his own question before comparing the concept of costumes to early Christianity.

“Early on, Christians would dress up in costumes as the devil, ghosts, goblins and witches precisely to make the point that those things were defeated and overthrown by the resurrected Jesus Christ,” Cameron continued. “The costumes poke fun at the fact that the devil and other evils were publicly humiliated by Christ at His resurrection. That’s what the Scriptures say, that He publicly humiliated the devil when He triumphed over power and principality and put them under his feet. Over time you get some pagans who want to go this is our day, high holy day of Satanic church, that this is all about death, but Christians have always known since the first century that death was defeated, that the grave was overwhelmed, that ghosts, goblins, devils are foolish has-beens who used to be in power but not anymore. That’s the perspective Christians should have. http://www.christianpost.com/news/kirk-cameron-on-halloween-christians-should-have-the-biggest-party-on-the-block-128345/

Isn’t the perspective real Christians should have is what does the Bible teach and what did early Christians do?

Consider also the following:

Cameron continues in the interview:

“Over time you get some pagans who want to go this is our day, high holy day of Satanic church, that this is all about death, but Christians have always known since the first century that death was defeated, that the grave was overwhelmed, that ghosts, goblins, devils are foolish has-beens who used to be in power but not anymore. That’s the perspective Christians should have.”

Everything in this quote shows extreme diarrhea of the mouth. Christians right up until the modern day have been afraid of devils, goblins, and ghosts, and that fear often manifested on Halloween. To the Christian of the Middle Ages the night was full of terrors, and things didn’t really change until the 20th Century. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2014/10/kirk-cameron-doesnt-get-halloween-like-most-people/#udp0U90wBMfduxrG.99

Despite Kirk Cameron’s claims, the Bible condemns pagan celebrations and early Christians did NOT dress up as witches and devils. Related to that, someone properly commented, “If there is anything Kirk Cameron is fond of, other than bananas, it is making up his own facts about things. … this week, he brings us his version of the history of Halloween” (https://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/229911/kirk-cameron-explains-how-jesus-invented-halloween-to-mock-obama-or-something/).

The Bible teaches:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (Ephesians 6:10-17)

The Bible does not teach to put on costumes of witches or other things associated with darkness. Early Christians did NOT dress up as witches. True Christians rely on the word of God.

The perspective real Christians should have is what does the Bible teach and what did early Christians do?

The Bible condemns pagan celebrations and early Christians did NOT dress up as witches and devils. Jesus was not even born on December 25th (see also How did December 25th become Christmas?).

Notice something that Jesus taught:

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)

Christmas is a lie. True worshipers will NOT be celebrating it. To learn more about who the true Christians are, check out the following: Where is the True Christian Church Today?

Kirk Cameron not only overlooks this, he seems to be pushing a more ‘ecumenical’ and anti-biblical view of what he calls Christianity. This is wrong, and will NOT end well (cf. Revelation 18).

We put together a new sermon this month dealing with “reasons” people are supposed to celebrate Halloween. The first three reasons that are debunked are from Kirk Cameron. So, here is a link: Debunking 17 reasons to celebrate Halloween.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? Here are some historical and biblical insight on this question. There are many cultures that have celebrations and observances that are similar to some associated with Halloween. What did the Druids do? Is Halloween one of the most important holidays for Satanists? Do the Japanese, Indians, and Chinese have any practices that are similar to some associated with Halloween? Does the Bible endorse or condemn practices that are associated with Halloween? Here are links to two related sermonette length videos: Halloween: Are there 7 reasons for Christians to celebrate it? and International ‘Halloween’ Should Christians observe Halloween?
All Saints’ Day, the Day of the Dead, and All Souls’ Day When did “All Saints Day” and the “Day of the Dead” begin? “What about All Soul’s Day”?
The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings Who is 2 Thessalonians 2:3 referring to? Are there multiple falling aways? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG. There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?
Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur ? In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.
Hanukkah Originally a Jewish national holiday, has Hanukkah morphed into a Jewish Christmas?
Canadian & Philadelphian Mummers Parades: Another tie to Saturnalia In Canada there is a ’12 days of Christmas’ celebration involving Mummers. In Philadelphia, a parade is held on New Years. Does this come from the Bible or where?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
How did December 25th become Christmas? Was Jesus born then? If not, why December 25? Here is the article translated into Mandarin Chinese 12月25日最后是怎么被许多基督的信仰者采纳的.
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to a related sermon: What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
International ‘Halloween’ Should Christians observe Halloween? There are many cultures that have celebrations and observances that are similar to some associated with Halloween. What did the Druids do? Is Halloween one of the most important holidays for Satanists? Do the Japanese, Indians, and Chinese have any practices that are similar to some associated with Halloween? Does the Bible endorse or condemn practices that are associated with Halloween? This is a video.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
All Saints’ Day, the Day of the Dead, and All Souls’ Day When did “All Saints Day” and the “Day of the Dead” begin? “What about All Soul’s Day”?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed?
COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

 
Jimmy Carter and Roy Moore (from Biblewizard)

COGwriter

Last night, someone sent me an email with some quotes related to women. The source only had quotes, so today, I further researched this and found that they came from former US President Jimmy Carter. Here are some of those quotes:

12 July 2009

“Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status…” (Article 2, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention’s leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be “subservient” to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. …

We have recently published a statement that declares: “The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable.”

We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world’s major faiths share.

Although not having training in religion or theology, I understand that the carefully selected verses found in the holy scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place – and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence – than eternal truths. Similar Biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.

At the same time, I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn’t until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted holy scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.

I know, too, that Billy Graham, one of the most widely respected and revered Christians during my lifetime, did not understand why women were prevented from being priests and preachers. He said: “Women preach all over the world. It doesn’t bother me from my study of the scriptures.” https://theelders.org/article/words-god-do-not-justify-cruelty-women

When I researched this further, I found that I did report about some of this back in 2009 (see Jimmy Carter Quits Southern Baptist Church).

Now, we in the Continuing Church of God blame Adam, probably more often than Eve, for what happened in the Garden of Eden. We also believe that the Bible allows women to be deacons or even prophets. But when it comes to women being prohibited as pastors and preachers, we go by what the Bible teaches–hence, although such violations do not bother Billy Graham or Jimmy Carter, we do not condone such practices in the Continuing Church of God.

It is NOT discrimination against women to believe the Bible and teach what it teaches.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:11-12).

Thus, the New Testament does not support the concept of women preaching sermons in, or to be a pastor over, a church.

But it needs to be understood that the Bible does not prevent women from having important roles in the church.  Actually, they should.

For proof, please study the article Women and the New Testament Church.

Believing and teaching the Bible is something that Jimmy Carter has problems with.

A couple of year ago, he falsely claimed that Jesus would endorse homosexual marriage:

COGwriter

A storm knocked out power for hundreds of thousands in the US Northeast according to the Associated Press:

Severe storm leaves about 700K without power in Northeast

October 30, 2017

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A severe storm packing hurricane force wind gusts and soaking rain swept through the Northeast early Monday, knocking out power for more than 700,000 and forcing hundreds school closures in northern New England.

Some utility companies warned customers that power could be out for a few days.

National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Dellicarpini said there were reports of downed trees and power lines around the region and roads that were impassable in spots due to flash flooding.

The New England area appeared to get the brunt of the storm, which brought sustained winds of up to 50 mph in some spots, with a gust of 82 mph reported in Mashpee on Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

In southern New England, Electric utilities National Grid and Eversource combined were reporting more than 300,000 customers without power in Massachusetts as of about 7 a.m. Monday. About 152,000 Eversource customers were without power in Connecticut, while United Illuminating reported about 5,700 customers in the dark. National Grid had more than 140,000 customers without power in Rhode Island.

Maine and New Hampshire also got pounded. The Portland International Jetport in Maine recorded a wind gust of 69 mph, and the Amtrak Downeaster service canceled a morning run due to down trees on the tracks.

In Maine, about 240,000 power outages were reported and downed trees closed a number of streets. More than 200,000 customers were without electricity in New Hampshire, where hundreds of school districts canceled classes Monday and others delayed openings.

“We need about 24 to 48 hours to really get a good handle on what the scope of the damage is,” Seth Wheeler, a spokesman for New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, told WMUR-TV. “We’ll be making restorations along the way, but this is going to be a multiple-day event.”

He added, “I think if you’re without power at this time, you should expect to remain without power, possibly for a number of days.” https://www.apnews.com/124a87edca9b41678a723ae7fe59873a/Severe-storm-leaves-about-700K-without-power-in-Northeast

It can be very frustrating and difficult to be without power in the 21st century.

But let us not forget what happened to many from the recent hurricanes.

People in Florida and Texas lost power, homes, etc.

Then there is what happened in the Caribbean.

And it is still not over.

Here is some information about Puerto Rico:

October 30, 2017

Deep in their hearts, four former IPFW volleyball players didn’t want to believe the damage in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico was as bad as had been reported. They wanted to believe there was some semblance of hope the situation had been oversold.

Instead, everything was unbelievably worse.

“I don’t cry, ever, but the second house we went to I was in tears,” said Jeff Ptak, a former all-American who played professionally for six years in Puerto Rico. “The entire island … doesn’t look the same. The entire island is destroyed. If your house was made of any kind of wood, it’s just gone.

“It was so moving. It wasn’t because of the complete devastation, but the spirit of these people. One woman had eight children and nothing to give them, and she was just so happy to see us. It was so moving.” …

“Everything that are usually simple daily tasks are extremely complicated,” said Pepa Ralat, who lives in Weston, Fla. “Things that in Fort Wayne take you 10 minutes, in Puerto Rico takes you an hour. Traffic is very complicated with the roads being lost, a lack of power and the desperation of people. I was extremely surprised with how much damage the hurricane caused all over the island, on the infrastructure and everything.

“I don’t think we made a dent in the problem whatsoever. It’s going to take at least a couple of years before things feel normal again in Puerto Rico. The people are resilient, and they want to do the best they can with the resources they have, but they need a lot of help. They just struggle every single day to to just live and survive.” http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/top-sports/2017/10/30/former-ipfw-volleyball-players-stunned-by-puerto-rico-damage/

In the 21st century, not having electrical power for weeks or months will be a burden for those affected, will greatly impact their ability to work, disrupt communications, and will even impact food supplies.

Hurricane Maria damage in Roseau, Dominica

Here is some information about this year’s hurricanes and their effects:

October 30, 2017

The 2017 season is one of only six seasons on record to feature multiple Category 5 hurricanes. This was the second season on record (after 2007) to feature two hurricanes making landfall, with Category 5 Irma’s landfalls on multiple Caribbean islands and Maria’s landfall on Dominica.

This season had the highest number of major hurricanes since 2005. Ophelia, a Category 3 hurricane, was the sixth major hurricane of the season and the easternmost storm of such strength in the Atlantic basin on record. Ophelia transitioned into a hurricane-strength midlatitude cyclone that made landfall on Ireland and Britain. http://host.madison.com/wsj/weather/ask-the-weather-guys-how-did-the-hurricane-season-end/article_c36341b3-057a-5d58-89ab-cab4104aa404.html

October 30, 2017

Weeks after the second of two Category 5 hurricanes tore through the U.S. Virgin Islands, New England crews are on the scene among those working to help restore power to the Caribbean territory. http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_31413527/littleton-electric-manager-leading-hurricane-aid-project-u#ixzz4wzzsI3l8

How can destinations rebuild better than before if they don’t have money?

St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastenet, chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, gave a sobering response.

‘We have avoided and neglected the obvious for so long. This region is ecologically extremely sensitive and socially very sensitive and financially very vulnerable,’ he said. ‘We continue thinking there’s tomorrow. Tomorrow has arrived.’ …

In the case of Dominica, known as ‘The Nature Island,’ how do you put value on a rain forest? the minister asked. For Puerto Rico, already carrying many tens of billions of dollars in debt, the $150m to $200m to restore infrastructure is merely making stop-gap repairs.

France is helping St. Martin and the Netherlands is assisting St. Maarten, but independent countries have no one to come to their aid. Chastenet said Dominica’s initial damage estimate equaled 200% of its GDP.

And Britain could not allocate aid to the Virgin Islands and Anguilla because these overseas territories are too wealthy to qualify for assistance under official international criteria.

It’s not just the costs of repairs. The Caribbean faces lost revenues, and unimpacted islands will lose remittances from workers with jobs in places that were affected. The agricultural sector is set back, insurance costs will skyrocket and middle class citizens who provide stability and leadership to communities will leave. http://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/news-headlines/frank-talk-on-rebuilding-and-resilience-in-a-very-vulnerable-region.html

Now, the nations and territories in the Caribbean did have some money before. They knew they were vulnerable. But, in general, insufficient preparations were taken.

Let’s again look at that quote from St. Lucia’s Prime Minister: ‘We continue thinking there’s tomorrow. Tomorrow has arrived.’

The Bible teaches:

2 Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

Do you take the damage to heart?

Do you realize that this is only the beginning of sorrows?

Jesus taught:

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We have had some “troubles,” but the situation will ultimately get much worse.

Tomorrow will come!

Devastation is coming to the world in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord (see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019?).

Notice he following in a post by Lance Roberts:

September 21, 2017

When I was growing up my father, probably much like yours, had pearls of wisdom that he would drop along the way. It wasn’t until much later in life that I learned that such knowledge did not come from books, but through experience. One of my favorite pieces of “wisdom” was:

“Exactly how many warnings do need before you figure out that something bad is about to happen?”

Of course, back then, he was mostly referring to warnings he issued for me “not” to do something I was determined to do. Generally, it involved something like jumping off the roof with a queen-sized bedsheet convinced it was a parachute.

After I had broken my wrist, I understood what he meant. https://realinvestmentadvice.com/4-warnings-for-the-bull-market/

So, Lance Roberts realized AFTER he broke his wrist, he should have heeded the warnings.

After Hurricane Maria, more in the Caribbean are probably realizing that the islands should have taken more steps to protect themselves.

The people there realize that they are vulnerable to hurricanes.

The Bible teaches:

3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3)

18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. (Proverbs 13:18)

Not enough steps were taken before Hurricane Maria hit. Sins were multiplied by looting after Hurricane Maria hit.

The Bible is clear that God controls the weather and various calamities, but wants people to heed His prophets:

6… If there is calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?

7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:6-7)

The Bible tells of weather-related blessings for obedience and weather-related curses for disobedience. Weather is not as random as many people seem to want to believe. After listing a variety of weather and other curses, God had Amos write:

12 “Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel;
Because I will do this to you,
Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” (Amos 4:11-12)

Weather actually is to be a motivator for us to change and be ready to face our Creator!

Of course, people say, “The weather always changes.” And while it does, there are two point to consider about that.

The first is that changes in the weather show us that our environment and circumstances can quickly change. As Christians, we need to:

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

And that is a warning to get our spiritual life in order.

The second is to consider that the severity of storms and their devastation has been increasing. Troubles are part of the beginning of sorrows (Mark 13:8; Matthew 24:4-8), and remember that the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21) comes in the same generation as does the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:34).

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have repeatedly warned of weather problems coming as well as chaos and food shortages. Back in 2009, in my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I warned of:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters. Matthew 24:7 …

The world is actually in a berserk transition … It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:8 (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 240)

Since that was published, we have had record smashing heat, stronger hurricanes, and odd weather problems. There was a severe food shortage in St. Martin last month because of Hurricane Irma. There has been chaotic looting in the Caribbean and Florida. These issues should serve as a wake-up call (for information about Bible prophecy and hurricanes, here is a link to the video: Hurricanes and Prophecy).

The Bible is full of warnings, but many do not understand them and will not heed them.

Notice the following:

1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5)

Do not think that those in the Caribbean, Florida, Texas, or the Northeast are more sinful than others. Devastation will hit other places (see also Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse).

While most feel that prophesied dangers will affect them, the biblical reality is that almost all humanity will fail to heed the warnings (see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019?).

Will you?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean  Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy Contains a cool up-to-the-hour update of earthquakes around the world from USGS. It also explains what did Jesus teach about earthquakes and how the Bible describes “the big one” (as well as when it is expected).
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Hurricanes and Prophecy Hurricane Harvey dropped the greatest amount of rainfall in any USA storm. Hurricane Irma was the strongest hurricane ever in the Atlantic. Hurricane Irma wiped out most of the island of Barbuda, caused a million to lose power in Puerto Rico, devastated St. Martin’s, hit Cuba, and hit Florida. A news headline stated ” ‘Nature’s gone crazy’: Winds, fire, floods and quakes plague North America.” Is there any tie to prophecy? Are heavy winds and rains discussed in the Bible? Any ties to homosexuality and other forms of immorality? What about Donald Trump and Jennifer Lawrence? Does God control the weather? What does God want people to do? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more. This is a video.
Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? What does the Bible teach about weather? What about floods, droughts, heat, earthquakes, tornadoes, and solar storms? Here is a related YouTube video Does God Use Weather? A related item in the Spanish language would be Bendiciones y maldiciones del clima.
The ‘Unpardonable Sin’ and ‘Climate Change’? On September 7, 2016, Olav Fykse Tveit, Church of Norway Pastor, and the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, essentially declared that those who ignore ‘climate change’ are committing the ‘unpardonable sin’ against the Holy Spirit. Are those two even related? In this video, Dr. Thiel answers that and explains from the Bible what the ‘unpardonable sin’ is and how you can avoid it. He also discusses aspects of Christianity and the environment.
The Bible, Christians, and the Environment How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? A YouTube video is available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy.
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

COGwriter

Can you choose to be a success or failure?

Yes, though many do not realize that NOT making decisions is also a decision and that can affect success or failure.

Decades ago, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following:

WHY are only the very few—women as well as men—successful in life? Just what is success? Here is the surprising answer to life’s most difficult problem, proving that NO HUMAN NEED EVER BECOME A FAILURE! All who have succeeded have followed these seven laws! The only WAY to success is not a copyrighted formula being sold for a price. You can’t buy it! The price is your own application to the seven existing laws.

DID IT EVER occur to you that there might be a reason why so many people make a failure of life? Not only men and career women, but wives and mothers to!

Are you one who is wrestling with the problem of “making ends meet”? Nearly all of us are. This problem need not mean failure—yet it often leads to it.

It is a fact—the vast majority do wind up failures. Yet none need fail!

Take a look at the facts in the world.

Is THIS Success?

Every two minutes someone in the United States attempts suicide. Each day nearly 70 persons succeed—but is that success? The World Health Organization estimates that some one thousand people commit suicide in the world—every day!

Suicides now outnumber murders. Now various organizations for the prevention of suicide are a reality! But the cause is individual failure!

Only a minority, of course, go to this extreme, but the overwhelming majority do end their lives in failure.

Much of the world is in current “prosperity.” Yet—in booming U.S.—more businesses failed in a very recent year than in any other in the last twenty-six. Across the world streaks the shocking trend of increasing failures. Scores of millions daily allow he creeping cancer of failure to chain them to a life of unhappy circumstances, from which only death promises release.

But why?

Why are only the very few really successful? Is it mere chance—is it just happen-so—can it be luck? Or are there definite reasons?

Why do all but the very few find themselves, by age 60 or 65, dependents? Why must there by old-age pensions, public welfare aid, charities to support the non-crippled, non-handicapped helpless? Why must children so often provide for aged parents—when it ought to be the other way around?

I am going to tell you why!

There are definite causes! Seven basic laws govern success! It is high time people come to know them, and end this unhappy and needless tragedy!

Finding the Answer

When I was a young man of twenty-three, I was a member of the editorial staff of a national magazine. I was sent on tours over the United States, covering ten or fifteen states each tour. My assignment was investigating business conditions, reporting workable ideas and facts. I interviewed businessmen and chamber of commerce officials. I discussed with merchants and manufacturers their problems. I searched out ideas and methods that had been successfully applied in sales promotion, public relations, cutting costs, speeding up turnover, increasing profits.

One of the things my editors assigned me to investigate was the reason behind the success of the few, and the failure of the many. Some 95% of smaller independent merchants were reported by Dun and Bradstreet to be heading toward bankruptcy.

Of course, we were concerned then only with the success or failure of men. But the same laws apply to the lives of women.

I asked the opinions of hundreds of businessmen. Most thought success resulted merely from superior ability, and failure from the lack of it. But this opinion consigned the majority to failure from birth without a chance. If a man lacked the ability, he was foredoomed to failure. There seemed nothing he could do about it. I was not satisfied with this ides—and later I proved it false.

The manager of the large J.L. Hudson department store in Detroit thought failure generally resulted from lack of adequate capital. A minority interviewed agreed with him. But this, also, made dollars, and not the man, responsible for success or failure.

Actually, investigation showed these to be contributing factors, but only that. A more prevalent factor, I found, was fitting the proverbial “square peg in the round hole.” Most failures were misfits. Most, had they known these seven laws, could have made a success in the field where they best fit.

This quest for the reasons for success or failure intrigued me. My research on this question did not stop with these editorial tours. Observation and analysis of this problem have continued through the years.

And I know, now, that no human being need ever become a failure!

Failures are not foredoomed. Success does not just happen! It is governed by seven definite laws. If you know them, and apply them, the happy result, in the end , is assured.

Every individual was put on this earth for a PURPOSE! Every person was put here to become a success. Every human ought to enjoy the sweet taste of success—to find peace and happiness—to live an interesting, secure, and abundant life! And in order that all might—if willing—reap such full and abundant rewards, the Creator set in motion actual, definite LAWS to produce that desired result.

The tragedy is that through the centuries and millenniums man has turned his back on those laws—those causes of the very success he craves! The world long ago ignored and forgot them. Today, most people do not know what they are. Most people have not followed a single one of the seven basic laws.

I ask in all candor—isn’t that a shocking state of human affairs? It is, in fact, the colossal tragedy of all history!

You Can’t Buy it!

If some recognized authority had a copyrighted plan to sell that was guaranteed to make all who follow it prosperous and successful, I suppose people by the thousands would flock to buy the plan.

One man had such a plan. It was a sort of pseudo “psychological” religion. He promised the plan would make its followers prosperous or rich—the easy way, of course. Its propagator advertised that it had made him rich. He boasted of his fine home, his great high-ceiling pipe-organ room. The inference was that it would make its purchasers equally prosperous—but he neglected to mention that it was the naïve dupes who bought his bogus plan who made him rich.

This man stumbled onto an advertising catch-phrase for a headline in magazine and newspaper advertisements, which multiplied responses. He used it for years. But ultimately it wore itself out. This charlatan’s “success” was neither real nor lasting. He was, himself, a colossal failure.

The only way to true success is not a formula being sold like merchandise.

You can’t buy it with money. It comes to you free—without money, and without price. There is a price, of course—your own application of these definite laws. It is not guaranteed to be the easy way—but it is guaranteed to by the only way to real success!

Clark Gable—Success?

It so happens that on the very morning of the day this was originally written, I read in a London newspaper the obituary of Clark Gable, motion picture celebrity. I suppose the world would rate him a great success. But was he?

Just what is success, anyway?

How can people win success when so few know what it is?

I was struck with a number of things in this cinema-star’s obituary. My mind, of course, was on this theme, since I was at the moment writing on it.

Clark Gable was heralded on page one of this newspaper as king of the films. He was described as “the romantic hero of 90 films.” He was one of the first ten money-making stars in the years 1932-43, 1947-49, and 1955. That is 16 years. And the top film stars make fabulous incomes. “He was, ” said the obituary, “one of the few screen idols to stay the course for so long.” But does all that spell SUCCESS?

One of the “fascinating” things mentioned about his life was that he had been married five times! Would we consider at least three failures in marriage (one wife was killed in an air crash) SUCCESS? The obituary said he cultivated “the furrowed brow, the knowing frown, the half-closed eyes, those ears and the wise-guy leer.” They were not natural. He deliberately cultivated them for the women. “Clark Gable,” said the obituary, “had cultivated these for the girls for nearly the whole of his romantic reign.” You might have called it his trademark. He would.” “It’s just a business to me, always has been,” he explained. It was just his way of “earning a living.”

Rich Men I Have Known

In my lifetime I have had close and intimate contact almost constantly with recognized successful men. From age 18, in early life—within the United States. From middle-age—worldwide. I have read many books and articles written by such men, numerous biographies and autobiographies of the great and the near great—their experiences, their philosophies. I know how these leaders among men think, how they act, what principles and rules they follow.

One factor characterized nearly every one of these men. They made money. They acquired material possessions. Many headed big corporations. They achieved recognition as being important.

Significantly, most of these man practiced the first SIX of the seven laws of success. That is tremendously important!

There was the president of a great motor car corporation at the time when I was the young assistant secretary of the Chamber of Commerce in his city. He made money. He was recognized in the world as important. He rose to the top in his profession and industry. But in the flash depression of 1920 his corporation passed into receivers’ hands, he lost his personal material gains—and he ended his life a suicide! ? Was he, after all, a success. He neglected not only the seventh, but also the sixth.

Then there were two great bankers whom I knew, one of them quite intimately. This was Mr. Arthur Reynolds, president of the then second largest national bank in America. I first knew Mr. Reynolds when he was president of a bank in the city where I was born. Later, as an ambitious and rising young advertising man in Chicago, I went to him often for personal counsel and advice. He was always interested, helpful. And I always considered his advice sound, and followed it. Mr. Reynolds won a measure of national and worldwide fame.

Some thirty-five years later I walked into his great bank and inquired of one of its many vice-presidents whether he knew where Mr. Reynolds had moved, and where he had died. I had heard that he had retired and moved to our headquarters city, Pasadena, and died there. This vice president had never heard of Arthur Reynolds. “Who was he? he asked.

He inquired around. No one he asked remembered Arthur Reynolds. Finally the public relations secretary sent to the bank’s library, and presently a clerk brought a newspaper clipping. It was the sole record the bank seemed to possess of its former president, who, with his brother, was largely responsible for building up this bank to its great size and importance. The clipping was from a San Mateo, California, newspaper. It told of his death in that San Francisco suburb.

After reading it, I handed the clipped obituary back.

“You’ll certainly want to keep this,” I remarked. “It must be valuable to the bank.”

“Oh, no,” he replied. “If you knew him, take it along.”

And thus I carried from that great bank what probably was the only record of this man in the bank of which he was so long president. His “success” was not lasting. It was not long remembered.

During his busy lifetime, this man applied the first SIX of the seven rules of success. Yet whatever success he achieved was fleeting, and although he had accumulated money, acquired a nice block of stock in the bank, lived in a fine home, became recognized as important in his lifetime, all of his “success” died with him!

The other great banker was Mr. John McHugh. I first knew him as president of a bank on a Midwest city. Then I had an hour’s interesting chat with him in the Willard Hotel in Washington during the American Bankers’ Association national convention in 1920. He was then president of a well-known New York City bank. Later, consolidations of several New York banks elevated him two offices higher than the president of the then largest bank in the world. Yet some 36 years later when I inquired about him at this great bank, the answer was the same—”Who’s he? Never heard of him!” His “success” did not live after him.

But there is a real success that endures!

But IS This Success?

Yes, I have been privileged to know many of the great and the near great—especially in the American business world. I have known multimillionaire capitalist, chief executives of great corporations and banks, cabinet members in the national administration at Washington, authors, artists, lecturers, college and university heads.

For the most of them, success meant the acquisition of money and material possessions, and being of recognized status.

One important man I know was Elbert Hubbard, philosopher, prolific writer, publisher, lecturer, known as “the Sage of East Aurora.” “The Fra,” as he sometimes styled himself, became quite famous. He wore semi-long hair under an extra-size hat, and a string bow tie. He was said to be worth a half million dollars at a time when that equaled three million or more on today’s market.

He published two magazines, composed mostly of his own writings, The Philistine, and The Fra. He boasted the largest vocabulary of any man since Shakespeare. He published An American Bible, shocking many of the religious yet explaining that the word “bible” merely means “book,” not necessarily implying sacred writings, unless the word “HOLY” is prefaced. His “bible” consisted of his selection of choice writings from American authors. He included Franklin, Emerson, Paine, Jefferson, Lincoln, and, of course, Hubbard!He allotted nearly half of the entire volume to Hubbard—and all other famous Americans combined shared the remainder.

Hubbard was not the victim of an inferiority complex, and he preached a positive philosophy. He did have rare insight and wisdom in purely material matters, and a keen understanding of human nature.

He knew that “important” men craved flattery as an actor enjoys applause. A large share of his fortune was made by writing an almost endless series of booklets, captioned Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great and the Near-Great. These were printed, of course, in rare style in his own Roycroft Press. Dozens and scores of America’s rich and famous men paid Hubbard premium prices to write them up in his inimitable literary style.

An interesting sidelight on Mr. Hubbard’s concept of success came spontaneously from his lips one Sunday afternoon. He and I were chatting at his Roycroft Inn in East Aurora, New York.

“I asked a Unitarian minister,” I said, “whether he had ever been able to discern just what your religious belief really is—if any.”

“Fra Elbertus” was interested at once. “And what did he say?” he asked, curiously.

“He said he wasn’t quite sure, but he suspected that whatever your religion may be, it probably originated in your pocketbook and bank account.” There was no denial.

“Ho, ho,” laughed Elbert Hubbard, “well, I get away with it, don’t I?”

But was Elbert Hubbard a real success, after all? By human standards, I suppose he was. He knew and applied the first six of the seven laws of success. He worked hard and industriously, and he reaped a bounteous harvest—of money, popularity, acclaim. He and his wife Alice Hubbard went down together into the depths of the Atlantic when a German submarine sank the Lusitania. This was one of the overt acts of the Kaiser’s forces that plunged America into World War 1.

But his fame did not appear to last. One seldom hears of him any more.

Hubbard knew material values. But his agnosticism closed the door—and threw away the key—that led to an understanding of spiritual values. He never quite understood the real PURPOSE of life itself. He wasn’t sure whether there was a Creator. He was convinced that fundamentalist or traditional “Christianity” was an impractical superstition. He didn’t know WHY humanity was placed on the earth—or whether it just happened! He didn’t know man’s real potential destiny. He didn’t know the seventh law of success. And, not knowing or following that seventh rule, he drove himself, by the diligent practice of the six, in the wrong direction — diametrically away from true success!

It Never Satisfied

What was the real meaning of life to these “successful” men?

Their goal in life—their definition of success—was material acquisition, recognition of status by society, and the passing enjoyment of the five senses.

But the more they acquired, the more they wanted, and the less satisfied they became with what they had. When they got it, it was never enough.

Some “successful” men of the world maneuver to get their pictures on page one of metropolitan newspapers, or on the front covers of national magazines. This inflates and briefly titillates ego, but it never satisfies for long. There’s nothing the public forgets so quickly as yesterday’s news!

Such men seek the flattery of others, and engage in back-slapping to invite it. But, like an actor’s applause (the word always makes me think of “applesauce”) it doesn’t last and leaves them flat, with a gnawing inner hunger for something that will satisfy! So they become restless, discontented.

Their bank accounts may be full, but their lives are empty. And what they do acquire, which is never enough and never satisfies, they leave behind when they die!

What is wrong?

Such men started out with the wrong goals. They had not discerned the true values, but pursued the false.

Isn’t it about time we learn the true definition of SUCCESS?

Perhaps the prize example of all history is that of an ancient king, who strove hard, accomplished much, gained fabulous wealth. He experimented with every pleasure, to see whether it brought happiness.

This man said to himself, “Come now, I will make a test of pleasure; enjoy yourself.”

Continuing to describe his experiment, this man wrote: “I searched with my mind how to cheer my body with wine—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good.”

This ancient king was young enough to try to really enjoy life. He could afford it, too. He was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived—with the resources of a nation at his command. If there was not enough money for a project he dreamed up, he simply raised the taxes.

So, he continued writing of his experiment in searching for happiness and success, “I went in for great works.” Stupendous national works and projects. “I built mansions, planted vineyards, laid out gardens and parks for myself, in which I planted all manner of fruit trees, making pools to water the trees in my plantations. I bought slaves, both men and women, and had slaves born within my household. I had large herds and flocks, larger than any before me. I amassed silver and gold, right royal treasures; I procured singers, both men and women, and many a mistress, man’s delight. Richer and richer I grew, more than any before me in my country . . . Nothing I coveted did I refuse myself: I denied my heart no enjoyment—for my heart did feel pleasure in all this—so much I did get from all my efforts.

“But, ” he concluded, “when I turned to look at all I had achieved and at my efforts and trouble, then it was all vain and futile . . . all was VANITY, and a striving after wind. Nothing in this world is worthwhile.

“Utterly vain, utterly vain, everything is VANITY,” wrote this king, after his life of experimenting. All it led to was striving—yes, always striving—and for what? “After WIND,” he concluded. All that a lifetime of hard work, vigorous application, material accomplishment brought him, he concluded, amounted to no more that a HANDFUL OF WIND!

This man was called the wisest man who had ever lived. He was King Solomon of ancient Israel. But in all his costly experimenting he never found the true values—the meaning of true and lasting SUCCESS!

And WHY?

Simply because, with all his wisdom, this man sought pleasure—happiness—success—his own way, in materialism. In the beginning the Eternal Creator designated and set in motion living laws for the very purpose of producing happiness, abundant living, pure and continuous joy, in all humans who would follow them. These are the seven great laws of SUCCESS. King Solomon, like nearly all the world’s “successful” men, applied diligently the first six—but without the seventh, he started out in the wrong direction. The more he strove, the farther he went—in the direction away from true and lasting success.

He knew this seventh law. But, “Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Eternal. . . he did not keep what the Eternal commanded. Therefore the Eternal said to Solomon, ‘Since this has been your mind and you have not kept my covenant and my rules which I commanded, I will surely tear the kingdom from you’ ” (1 Kings 11:6-11).

Now let me tell you the experience of a modern king. He was a close personal friend of ex-King Saud of Arabia, to whom I have been personally presented. Wealth came suddenly to Sheik Ali of Qatar (pronounced “”gutter”).

Qatar is a little Arabian country jutting into the Persian gulf. The big oil boom recently came to Sheik Ali’s little kingdom. It paid the country of 35,000 population 50 million dollars a year, of which 121/2 million went personally to old Sheik Ali, age 69.

Now what would you do with it, if you suddenly came into 121/2 million dollars a year?

The answer, in all probability, is that you would not do what you now think you would! That much money, coming suddenly into one’s hands, usually changes one’s ideas completely. That’s what it did to old Sheik Ali.

Immediately he began to build big gaudy pink, green, and gold palaces in the midst of malodorous mud hovels. They were air-conditioned, ultramodern, even equipped with push button window curtains! And now the newly wealthy sheik could avoid the 120-degree bake-oven summers of the desert.

He chartered whole airliners and took with him a retinue so large that his newly purchased palatial villa on Lake Geneva could not hold them all, and they overflowed into various resort hotels.

Then Sheik Ali indulged in the $1,000,000 purchase of a magnificent mansion overlooking Beirut—and the beautiful Mediterranean. When King Saud paid him a royal visit, he presented the king with 16 automobiles. One was embellished with gold. Old Sheik Ali became so generous in his self-indulgences, that his debts, over and beyond his fabulous income, soon mounted to 14 million dollars!

The news stories filtered around the world of how the Sheik just simply could not make ends meet on a mere 121/2 dollars a year! About the 1st of November, 1960, he abdicated in favor of his son Ahmed, age 40. A new advisory council arranged to pay old Ali’s debts, and give him a pension large enough only to provide for a mere handful of servants and a few wives.

Poor old Ali! He found it harder to make ends meet on 121/2 million annual dollars than he did in comparative poverty.

The FIRST Law

Certainly NOTHING in life is more important than to know: what is real success—and how to achieve it.

His ‘seven laws of success’ are then included in that booklet: The Seven Laws of Success.

The Continuing Church of God has also produced a sermon titled Christian Success. While the “seven laws of success” that are in the booklet The Seven Laws of Success by the late Herbert W. Armstrong were used, a lot more scriptures were included than that booklet used. And while physical success was also discussed, the sermon put more emphasis on spiritual success, which is what truly is needed to not be a failure.

People can change if they will willingly humble themselves and take various steps.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Christian Success: What does the Bible teach? Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be successful? Are there at least seven laws of success that Christians should follow? How does the Bible teach we are to become successfully spiritually? Does the Bible really teach that Christians should be successful physically? This video answers these questions and more from the Bible. An outline of some of the scriptures used is here: Christian Success Outline.
The Ten Commandments: Cause and Effect Is everything random? Why do things happen? Are there just two ways? Should Christians keep the ten commandments? A related sermon is also available: Cause and Effect: Two Trees, Two Ways.
Why Were You Born? Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny? or watch the video, also titled What is Your Destiny?
Building Character: Going on to Perfection Once you have accepted Jesus, do you need to strive for perfection and build character? A related video sermon is available: Going on to perfection and building character.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? If you would like to watch videos covering subjects of this article, you can click on the following links: Why YOU? Why Do YOU Suffer? and What is the meaning of your life?
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There is also a YouTube video related to that also called: Living as a Christian: How and Why?
The Seven Laws of Success Booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong that can help people become successful.

Martin Luther

COGwriter

October 31st marks the day that Martin Luther hammered his now famous 95 theses on the Wittenberg (Germany) church back in 1517. BBC reported the following related to him today:

31 October 2017

Five hundred years ago, a young German monk began the Protestant Reformation, shattering the authority of the Catholic Church.

Centuries later, there are signs that the churches have put aside their differences. …

Luther’s understanding of church, God and eternal life. … would also result in him hammering 95 theses – arguments and objections – to the doors of the Schlosskirche, or University church.

With each blow, the authority and stability of the Catholic Church was challenged as never before. …

Luther’s theological crisis was accelerated by a Dominican monk called Johann Tetzel, who was charged with collecting so-called indulgences on behalf of the Catholic Church.

These were payments which were made in the hope that individuals, and their deceased relatives, would be fast-tracked through purgatory into heaven.

Tetzel was an effective travelling salesman.

He would ask his audience: “Don’t you hear the voices of your wailing dead parents and others? From this you could redeem us with small alms.”

He would even offer a jingle that would not be out of place in a modern advertising campaign: “When the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.” …

Luther came to believe that one’s acceptance before God could not be purchased by indulgences, nor achieved by good works, but only received through faith.

He also came to the conclusion that only scripture could determine the governance of the Church and the practice of Christians.

‘Son of iniquity’

Luther’s observations were not well received.

Within a year, Pope Leo X dismissed Luther as an outspoken drunk who would repent when sober, describing him as “a son of iniquity”.

Excommunicated in 1521, Luther was dragged before the Diet of Worms, an assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, but refused to recant … http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41742857

While the Church of Rome now agrees with many of the items on his list, back in 1517 this caused tremendous dissension and was a key factor in the so-called Protestant Reformation.

Many consider that Martin Luther was a great saint.

I do not.

People actually believe the Bible would not as well.

His actions and writings prove he was not a Christian.

For proof, let’s start with this quote from Martin Luther:

My word is the word of Christ; my mouth is the mouth of Christ” (O’Hare PF. The Facts About Luther, 1916–1987 reprint ed., pp. 203-204).

Martin Luther was also a type of preterist, which meant he did not believe in various biblical prophecies (see also The Dangerous Rise of Preterists). He also somewhat denounced the Book of Revelation as well as several other books of the Bible (see Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible?).

Consider also that although Jesus endorsed fasting and told His followers to do so (Matthew 6:16-17; 9:15), Martin Luther condemned it:

This doctrine is so wicked and shameful before God, that no carousing or gluttony, no intemperance or drunkedness could be so bad, that it would be better to be completely fuddled all day than thus to fast (Luther’s Works, vol ii., p.730 as quoted in Stoddard JL. Rebuilding a Lost Faith, 1922, p. 91).

Notice the following report that came out after a series of archeological digs in three of Martin Luther’s former residences:

Archaeologists Unveil Secrets of Luther’s Life

Martin Luther and his false non-biblical teachings simply cannot and should not be trusted nor relied upon by those who profess Christ.

Martin Luther hated Jews and encouraged violence against them:

… burn down Jewish schools and synagogues, and to throw pitch and sulphur into the flames; to destroy their homes; to confiscate their ready money in gold and silver; to take from them their sacred books, even the whole Bible; and if that did not help matters, to hunt them of the country like mad dogs (Luther’s Works, vol. Xx, pp. 2230-2632 as quoted in Stoddard JL. Rebuilding a Lost Faith, 1922, p.99).

Accordingly, it must and dare not be considered a trifling matter but a most serious one to seek counsel against this and to save our souls from the Jews, that is, from the devil and from eternal death. My advice, as I said earlier, is: First, that their synagogues be burned down, and that all who are able toss in sulphur and pitch (Martin Luther (1483-1546): On the Jews and Their Lies, 1543 as quoted from Luther’s Works, Volume 47: The Christian in Society IV, (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1971). pp 268­293).

Followers of Adolf Hitler sometimes pointed to Martin Luther’s writings to ‘justify’ the Holocaust.

It was not just Jews that Martin Luther hated. He violently hated those that would not support him:

Pure devilry is urging on the peasants…Therefore let all who are able, mow them down, slaughter and stab them, openly or in secret, and remember that there is nothing more poisonous, noxious and utterly devilish than a rebel.  You must kill him as you would a mad dog…

The authorities must resolve to chastise and slay as long as they can raise a finger…It may be that those who are killed on the side of the authorities is really a martyr in God’s cause.  A happier death no man could die.  The present time is so strange that a prince can gain Heaven easier by spilling blood than by praying (Luther M.  Against the Murderous and Rapacious Hordes of the Peasants, May 4, 1525-Erl, 24, 287, ff.  As cited in O’Hare PF.  The Facts About Luther, p. 232).

I, Martin Luther, slew all the peasants in the rebellion, for I said that they should be slain; all their blood is upon my head. But I cast it on the Lord God, who commanded me to speak this way (Werke, Erl. Edition, lix, p. 284 ‘Table Talk’ as quoted in Stoddard JL. Rebuilding a Lost Faith, 1922, p.96).

It is reported that 100,000 perished at the time of the peasant ‘rebellion.’ It should also be understood that politics, and not just religion, was a major factor that led to the ‘military accomplishments’ of the Protestant reformers and their supporters.

Dr. Luther should have realized that real Christians would not have done that (see also Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare or Encourage Violence?).

Protestant’s claimed ‘sola Scriptura’ when they separated from Rome. Yet, the fact that Lutherans (and Roman Catholics for that matter) even have ‘altars’ where they consume ‘communion’ is also not scriptural.

Perhaps the two biggest problems with Martin Luther was that he was NOT a converted Christian and he did NOT believe in sola Scriptura. Notice the following from a Protestant scholar who supported Martin Luther:

Although classical theology is certainly not without its problems, historically it is almost always the case that the appeal to the Bible alone…leads to the reemergence of ancient heresies…The Reformation began with the slogan “To the sources!” and sought to deal a fatal blow to the place of church tradition in shaping life and faith…Despite their efforts not to be influenced by the authority of tradition, each of the major Reformation churches found itself borrowing from the past and building up a traditionalism of its own…when the Anabaptists and other radicals discovered Scripture to be teaching things the Lutherans found detestable, Lutherans learned the usefulness of tradition…(Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, pp. 335,350-351).

The “usefulness of tradition”? In other words, teaching traditions of men even when they contradict scripture.

It should be noted that the above is not limited to one Protestant scholar, Martin Luther truly did not believe in the rallying cry, sola scriptura (an article of related interest may be Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible?). (The Anabaptists are mentioned in the article on the Sardis Church era).

The reality is the fact that Protestants, Orthodox, and Roman Catholics accept tradition, they call many biblical practices that were enjoined upon and practiced by the early New Testament church, heresies. But if practices were original and based upon the Bible, can they logically be called heresies? Are not the heretics, those that changed the teachings of the Bible in favor of traditions of men?

A major problem with the Protestant Reformation was that many of its leaders were murderous anti-Semites, who would not rely on the Bible for many doctrines, and would not “contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Martin Luther was not a real Christian saint.

Those interested in learning more should consider studying the following:

The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous? A related sermon video is titled Preterism: You’ve Gotta Be Kidding…Right?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
Pope Francis’ Celebration of Reformation’s 500th Anniversary The Vatican announced that Pope Francis plans to attend a celebration commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s nailing his 95 theses on the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. Is this part of the ecumenical movement? Is this a good thing? Does the Bible warn against this? Do Protestant leaders favor ecumenical unity? What did early Protestants teach about the papacy? Should the Bible or human committees be listened to?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

Screen shot of sermon related to Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

US President Donald Trump and former German Defense minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttnberg are again in the news. The following is machine-translated from the original German into English, followed by the original German:

Ovation for Merkel ally Guttenberg on his political come-back

29 October 2017

Berlin. Howard Carpendale already knew today’s US president, as in this country at most business people knew how to classify the name Donald Trump. The singer lived in the immediate vicinity of the businessman in Florida. The 71-year-old makes no secret of his opinion that Trump is a misfit in the presidential office and addresses this in one of his new songs, which he presents on his “if not us” tour. …

In our last interview in 2015, Republicans in the US were still looking for a presidential candidate. They said back then: God forbid Donald Trump, the guy is a clown – now this clown turns the world upside down. Have your fears been confirmed?

Howard Carpendale: It’s even worse than I thought. This man is not even able to show empathy – apparently he is not capable of anything as far as normal human behavior is concerned. And his mouth seems to work a lot faster than his brain: I know people who just let go, just to say something – but the man is president! That does not work, the guy is completely out of place. …

You said something positive about Angela Merkel before the election – what do you appreciate about her?

I did not say anything positive about them, just said that they were better than any other current alternatives. Because for me, too, it belongs to this political establishment, whose representatives do not include the people in their decisions. I put a little hope in Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, after I experienced him in the election campaign in Ravensburg: What he says has at least sense and is in a nutshell. He will become more important in German politics again …

… is that good for the republic?

We’ll see. In any case, I would like to hear more from him –

 29.10.2017 – 01:05

Berlin.   Den heutigen US-Präsidenten kannte Howard Carpendale schon, als hierzulande allenfalls Wirtschaftsinteressierte den Namen Donald Trump einzuordnen wussten. Der Sänger lebte seinerzeit in unmittelbarer Nachbarschaft des Geschäftsmannes in Florida. Der 71-Jährige macht keinen Hehl aus seiner Meinung, dass Trump im Präsidentenamt eine Fehlbesetzung ist und thematisiert dies in einem seiner neuen Lieder, die er auf seiner „Wenn nicht wir“-Tour vorstellt. …

Bei unserem letzten Interview 2015 suchten die Republikaner in den USA noch einen Präsidentschaftskandidaten. Sie haben schon damals gesagt: Gott bewahre uns vor Donald Trump, der Typ ist ein Clown – nun stellt dieser Clown die Welt auf den Kopf. Haben sich Ihre Befürchtungen bestätigt?

Howard Carpendale: Es ist noch schlimmer, als ich dachte. Dieser Mann ist nicht mal fähig, Empathie zu zeigen – anscheinend ist er zu gar nichts fähig, was normales menschliches Verhalten angeht. Und sein Mundwerk funktioniert offenbar sehr viel schneller als sein Hirn: Ich kenne solche Leute, die einfach losreden, nur um etwas zu sagen – aber der Mann ist Präsident! Das geht nicht, der Typ ist völlig fehl am Platz. …

Sie haben sich vor der Bundestagswahl positiv über Angela Merkel geäußert – was schätzen Sie an ihr?

Ich habe mich nicht positiv über sie geäußert, sondern lediglich gesagt, sie sei besser als alle anderen derzeitigen Alternativen. Denn auch sie gehört für mich zu diesem politischen Establishment, dessen Vertreter das Volk nicht in ihre Entscheidungen einbeziehen. Ein wenig Hoffnung setze ich in Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, nachdem ich ihn im Wahlkampf in Ravensburg erlebt habe: Was er sagt, hat wenigstens Sinn und ist auf den Punkt gebracht. Er wird in der deutschen Politik wieder wichtiger werden …

… ist das gut für die Republik?

Das werden wir sehen. Auf jeden Fall würde ich gern mehr von ihm hören – https://www.waz.de/panorama/ist-trump-gefaehrlich-herr-carpendale-id212380453.html

Howard Carpendale is a German-South African singer living and working in Germany. He wants to see Herr Guttenberg more and expects him to become more important in German politics.

I believe that Herr Guttenberg will become more important in German and European politics.

Reactions to Donald Trump are becoming more and more important to Germans and many Europeans.

The situation between the USA and Germany is worse than most Americans realize.

While the Snowden leaks as well as practices under then US President Barack Obama caused a significant erosion of German trust of the USA (see The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA), the rise and election of Donald Trump has made the divide even more serious. Notice the following (bolding below mine):

BERLIN (Reuters) – Following Donald Trump’s decision to decertify the Iran nuclear deal this month, shaken European capitals are asking themselves what the U.S. president will do next.

Diplomats have sketched scenarios they fear could plunge transatlantic relations into crisis: a trade war, military conflict over North Korea, or the collapse of a Cold War-era arms treaty. They wonder if their post-war alliance can survive if any of them come true. …

No longer is there an underlying confidence that Europe can muddle through three more years of Trump without fear of major, and possibly lasting, disruptions to the relationship. Nor is there faith that Trump, when the stakes are high, will listen to what his advisers and partners tell him.

The anxiety is especially acute in Germany …

“There is a sense of desperation in Berlin, a sense that Trump does not know what is at stake, that he doesn’t understand the historical factors that are at play here,” said Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German ambassador to Washington and chairman of the Munich Security Conference. …

Merkel alluded to the breakdown in trust back in May, when she said Europe might not be able to rely on the United States and must take its fate into its own hands.

That came after a contentious G7 meeting in Sicily at which Trump ignored pleas from allies to stick with another multilateral agreement, the Paris climate accord. …

One senior European diplomat said the next conflict would likely be over trade, describing Trump’s attempt to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) — and his threats to abandon it — as a “litmus test”.

European firms, especially German carmakers who produce in Mexico and export to the United States, could be hit hard by a breakdown of NAFTA.

There are also fears that Trump could carry out a threat to introduce steel import tariffs, which would hit European exporters as well as the Chinese.

“So far there has been a lot of bark and no bite from Trump on trade, but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way,” said the European diplomat. “We have to be prepared for real protectionist measures. Any steps that penalize European firms directly or indirectly would create a downward spiral.” …

“We have to wake up to the fact that we may be dealing with Trump for some time, and that there may not be a correction when he leaves,” one German diplomat told Reuters. …

For generations of Germans, Ischinger says, the symbol of the transatlantic alliance has been U.S. presidents — from John F. Kennedy to Reagan, and from Bill Clinton to Barack Obama.

“I can no longer tell my children that they are part of this alliance with Trump as president,” he said. “It is rather sad. I don’t know how the loss of this symbol can be replaced. 10/27/17 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-usa-analysis/after-iran-shock-nervous-europe-girds-for-next-trump-salvo-idUSKBN1CW1KF

There is a real rift between Europe and the USA because of Donald Trump. What Europe will replace US leadership with (cf. Revelation 17:12-13) is going to turn out bad (Revelation 17:14).

A real war, and not just a trade war, between Europe and the USA (with the UK basically on the USA’s side) will come as one day Europe will take steps to ‘eliminate the competition’ so to speak (cf. Daniel 8:25; 11:39; USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

Getting back to Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, in 2015 he called Donald Trump “that blonde lunatic named Donald” (Wish List or Reality? Digital Trends in 2016 | Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg | hub conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgdZUA96UBU. Posted December 11, 2015; watch also Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future).

In 2017, Herr Guttenberg urged Germany to do more because of the rise of Donald Trump:

Former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has called on Germany to become more self-assertive with Donald Trump, a president who he believes may well bring about an era of “erratic” politics. …

former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has called on Berlin to ditch what he called its “passive, wait-and-see” attitude towards the United States and nurture “a culture of responsibility” instead.

In a guest column in German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, published Friday, the former conservative politician said Mr. Trump’s rise was a time for the German government to “be prepared to do more.” 01/20/17 https://global.handelsblatt.com/politics/time-for-tough-talk-with-trump-687154

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was interviewed on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria in May 2017. About Donald Trump’s plans to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, he stated:

I think this will weaken the US’s position on the international stage. I think the reaction will be harsh on the other side of the Atlantic. And I fear that might zero into further tensions into other topics. http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/exiting-paris-agreement-will-weaken-us-kt-zu-guttenberg/vp-BBBJzIO

Many in Europe agree with Herr Guttenberg’s assessment of Donald Trump.

The Bible shows that Europe will ultimately turn to a ‘strongman’ of its own in Revelation 17:12-13.

This may very well be Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. At minimum if it is not him, I believe he would support the one that the Book of Daniel calls the final King of the North and the Book of Revelation calls the Beast of the Sea.

The Bible tells of a person who had problems becoming the final King of the North European Beast power. Here are three translations of a passage that does so:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)

Even since his self-imposed exile, Baron Guttenbeg has been in the news on a fairly regular basis.

I expect that Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg will further encourage Europe to try to take the lead on more international matters. Herr Guttenberg will continue to issue warnings about Donald Trump.

A real divide between Germany and the USA is occurring.

This will NOT end well for the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:37)

Some items of related interest may include:

Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest? A video of related interest would be: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here are links to two sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of Prophecy.
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?  Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?  Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic?  A related video is titled: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

Are supervolcanoes, such as Yellowstone in the USA or various ones in New Zealand a real threat? If so, what type of threat? Are supervolcano issues consistent with biblical prophecies? If so, which ones? Could the eruption of a supervolcano make the USA, New Zealand, or other lands vulnerable to takeover in the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). Dr. Thiel answers these questions while standing atop of a supervolcano in a geothermal area of Rotorua, New Zealand.

The mediaeval city seal of Aachen on which the design of the Charlemagne prize medal is based

COGwriter

Various ones are not pleased with what has been happening in/with Catalonia:

October 28, 2017

MADRID/BARCELONA (Reuters) – Sacked Catalonian president Carles Puigdemont on Saturday called for peaceful “democratic opposition” to the central government’s takeover of the region following its unilateral declaration of independence from Spain.

“It’s very clear that the best form of defending the gains made up until now is democratic opposition to Article 155,” Puigdemont said in a brief statement he read out in the Catalan city of Girona, referring to the legal trigger for the takeover.

But he was vague on precisely what steps the secessionists would take as the national authorities are already moving into Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia to enforce control.

Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said it would welcome Puigdemont’s participation in the regional elections it has called for Dec. 21.

“I‘m quite sure that if Puigdemont takes part in these elections, he can exercise this democratic opposition,” Mendez de Vigo told Reuters TV in an interview.

European countries, the United States and Mexico have rejected the Catalan declaration and expressed support for Spain’s unity.

Puigdemont signed the statement as President of Catalonia, demonstrating he did not accept his ousting. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-politics-catalonia-police/sacked-catalonia-leader-calls-for-opposition-to-madrids-rule-idUSKBN1CX07C?il=0

Notice something from the European Union Commission President:

EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said … “But if you allow – and it is not up to us of course – but if Catalonia is to become independent, other people will do the same. I don’t like that. I don’t like to have a euro in 15 years that will be 100 different states. It is difficult enough with 17 states. With many more states it will be impossible,” he added. https://euobserver.com/political/139461

Pope Francis seemed to be referring to places like Catalonia when he denounced “Particular and nationalist agendas”:

28 October 2017

Pope Francis has warned Europeans against creating new divisions and building trenches, the former a reference to growing nationalism across the continent and the latter a reference to the carnage wrought by World War I.

He pointed to the two world wars that ravaged the Continent during the last century, and described peace as a “fragile good,” when he spoke near the end of the two-day Catholic Church in the European Union (COMECE) conference on Europe’s future that was held at the New Synod Hall in the Vatican City.

“Particular and nationalist agendas risk thwarting the courageous dreams of the founders of Europe,” he said.

Pope Francis never mentioned the Catalan separatist movement or the British vote to leave the European Union, but he frequently referenced solidarity, teamwork and shared sacrifice.

“A European Union that, in facing its crises, fails to recover a sense of being a single community that sustains and assists its members – and not just a collection of small interest groups – would miss out not only on one of the greatest challenges of its history, but also on one of the greatest opportunities for its own future,” the pope said.

He called on Europe to be a continent of peacemakers, and said it’s not sufficient to sidestep inner tensions. It also requires a love of truth, pursuit of justice and creativity, he said. http://www.dw.com/en/pope-francis-speaks-out-against-nationalism-in-europe/a-41155399

Last year, Pope Francis was given the ‘International Charlemagne Prize.’ It is awarded annually by the German city of Aachen for “contributions to European unity.” Charlemagne, himself, was the first one crowned emperor of the old ‘Holy Roman Empire’ (800 A.D.). Here is some of Pope Francis’ acceptance speech:

May 6, 2016

The roots of our peoples, the roots of Europe, were consolidated down the centuries by the constant need to integrate in new syntheses the most varied and discrete cultures. The identity of Europe is, and always has been, a dynamic and multicultural identity. …

In addressing the European Parliament, I used the image of Europe as a grandmother. I noted that there is a growing impression that Europe is weary, aging, no longer fertile and vital, that the great ideals that inspired Europe seem to have lost their appeal. There is an impression that Europe is declining, that it has lost its ability to be innovative and creative, and that it is more concerned with preserving and dominating spaces than with generating processes of inclusion and change. There is an impression that Europe is tending to become increasingly “entrenched”, rather than open to initiating new social processes capable of engaging all individuals and groups in the search for new and productive solutions to current problems. Europe, rather than protecting spaces, is called to be a mother who generates processes (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 223). …

To the rebirth of a Europe weary, yet still rich in energies and possibilities, the Church can and must play her part. …

Only a Church rich in witnesses will be able to bring back the pure water of the Gospel to the roots of Europe. In this enterprise, the path of Christians towards full unity is a great sign of the times and a response to the Lord’s prayer “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21).

With mind and heart, with hope and without vain nostalgia, like a son who rediscovers in Mother Europe his roots of life and faith, I dream of a new European humanism, one that involves “a constant work of humanization” and calls for “memory, courage, [and] a sound and humane utopian vision”. https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-for-being-awarded-charlemagne-prize/

The Vatican has long pushed European unity. Notice that Pope Francis is pushing for Europe to bring about a human form of utopia–that will NOT happen. Europe needs the Kingdom of God (consider also watching the video Millennial Utopia). The pope’s dream of a European utopia will be a nightmare when a version is realized.

Yet, he keeps pushing for it.

The Bible tells of a Babylonian unity between Europe and the church on the seven-hills in Revelation 17:1-9.

Although that relationship will end (Revelation 17:15-16), the Bible tells of a religious leader who is instrumental in promoting the final European Beast of the sea in Revelation 13.

This year, Pope Francis has been working towards not only European unity, but his version of religious unity, as well as ‘climate change’ unity around the world.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day — death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. (Revelation 18:4-8)

Despite warnings about this in the Bible in places such as the 17th and 18th chapter of the Book of Revelation, Pope Francis continues to promote something that the Bible warns against.

As far as Europe goes, there are certainly issues there. Expect more civil unrest.

Interestingly, Pope Francis called for “creativity” to resolve these matters.

Well, that suggests some type of change of governmental structure.

According to the Bible, that will happen:

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

Many do not understand about this reorganization. But you can (see Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

The Bible also shows that Europe will have problems getting along:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

And we see a mixture in Europe without true unity. Europe is fulfilling biblical prophecies.

Now notice from both the Old and New Testaments that Europe is NOT destined to bring in a real utopia, but the united European power will be eliminated by God:

44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. (Daniel 2:44)

14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14)

As a religious leader, one would think that Pope Francis would realize this. Instead, he is being honored for working to set up the type of European Beast power that God will destroy.

Jesus did NOT come to bring worldwide unity in this age:

51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. (Luke 12:51)

The Bible shows that a false ecumenical unity will come (Revelation 13:4-8).

Notice also something from the Hebrew scriptures:

6 “Up, up! Flee from the land of the north,” says the Lord; “for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,” says the Lord. 7 “Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.” (Zechariah 2:6-7)

Notice that even true believers are warned to get away from this.

The Apostle Paul also taught that true unity of faith would not happen until after Jesus returns:

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:13)

Those who believe this unity comes prior to Jesus’ return are in error. We are not ‘perfect’ until after He comes (cf. 1 John 1:8). The biblically prophesied unity of faith does not happen prior to Jesus’ return.

Also, when Jesus actually returns, He will destroy the unity of nations that are against Him (Revelation 11:15-18, 19:6,19-21).

Consider that the New Testament teaches:

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-5)

The Bible does not endorse multiple religions along with multiple ‘lords’ and baptisms. The time for true religious unity is not now–all religions would have to convert to the true Christian faith (Where is the True Christian Church Today? and Continuing History of the Church of God) and that is not what the ecumenical/interfaith movements are all about.

As far as timing for unity, notice the following:

10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 12 And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!” (Zechariah 2:10-13)

It is only after Babylon falls (Zechariah 2:6-7) and Jesus returns that true Christian unity will occur (Zechariah 2:10-11) (note: Catholic Bibles refer to slightly different verse numbers in that chapter, Zechariah 2:10-16, but basically say the same thing).

Do not be deceived by the Babylonian ecumenical movement and the promises of a human utopia. Nor any that believe that democracy or unity in this age will truly solve the issues that face humanity.

The Bible warns that nearly all on the earth in the final end times will be deceived (2 Thessalonian 2:9-12) and fall for it (Revelation 13:8). Have the ‘love of the truth’ so that you will not fall for this as more and more are coming to believe that the interfaith/ecumenical movement is the key to peace.

Yet, the Bible says that Jesus is the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6) and it will take the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the millennial kingdom of God to bring peace–not the false interfaith/ecumenical movement.

The type of  unity and utopia that Pope Francis seems to be advocating will not come about until AFTER Jesus returns according to the Bible. Human efforts to do this apart from the true God are clearly destined to fail.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Do You Know That Babylon is Forming? How is the final Babylon forming? Are Protestants such as Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland are endorsing something dangerous? Could Pope Francis be the ‘False Prophet’ that the Bible warns against? Is an antipope expected to endorse a one-world religion? Here is a link to a related written article In Vatican City: New Babylon more openly forming!
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Anti-Pope Francis? Some cardinals and other members of the Roman Catholic clergy are concerned that Pope Francis has deviated from its traditional positions on matters such as homosexuality, salvation, fornication, remarriage, and other doctrines. Australian Cardinal George Pell even mentioned ‘antipopes’ when discussing Pope Francis. North American Cardinal Raymond Burke has raised many concerns about Francis’ pontificate. Did Catholic saints teach that popes could become heretics? Will the final pope not be Catholic? Is an ecumenical pontiff possibly the final Antichrist? What do both biblical, and even Roman Catholic, prophecies warn about? Could Pope Francis be an antipope and final Antichrist? This is a new video.
TThe Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Two related sermons are available Millennial Utopia and The Millennium.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?